Module overview
The Industrial Placement Year gives you the opportunity to experience engineering in practice, applying the knowledge and skills developed throughout your degree within a professional engineering environment. Working on real projects over an extended placement (30 weeks minimum), you will gain valuable insight into how engineering organisations operate while developing the technical, commercial and professional skills sought by employers.
During your placement, you will contribute to engineering projects, tackle authentic technical challenges and work alongside experienced engineers, strengthening your understanding of engineering design, analysis, manufacturing, testing, project delivery or research, depending on your role. Alongside your technical development, you will gain first-hand experience of teamwork, communication, professionalism, commercial awareness and the wider responsibilities of engineers within industry. Reflective activities throughout the year will encourage you to evaluate your own development and identify the skills and experiences that will shape your future career.
By the end of the placement, you will have developed greater confidence as an engineer, a deeper understanding of professional engineering practice and enhanced employability through substantial industrial experience. The placement year provides an invaluable bridge between academic study and graduate employment, allowing you to return to your studies with greater technical maturity, professional awareness and career direction. Students are expected to take responsibility for securing their placement. Support and guidance will be provided by the module staff. Students must register their placement with the University Placement Management System - details available at the Engineering Pre-Placement blackboard module and @ https://placements.soton.ac.uk. Comprehensive information about the IPY can be found at: https://sotonac.sharepoint.com/teams/EngineeringIndustrialPlacementYearStudent